Workshop 4

Inspire l Inquire l Imagine

Celebrating Learning Stories Conference 2017

Session One: 10:15-11:45am

Presenter: Kelly Abraham & Rebecca Thompson, Barnardos

Workshop 4: Partnerships in Action

We invite you to come and learn about our centre’s journey. We will share our philosophy which is based on peaceful and respectful partnerships; within our rich nature-based setting.

We will share our thoughtful documentation, which captures authentic experiences, partnerships, holistic learning and development from multiple perspectives; all within a meaningful context. Our learning stories are written from the heart and reflect shared knowledge and understanding of the uniqueness of the child. Whakawhanaungatanga, aroha and tikanga Māori inform our practice and this is reflected in our learning stories.

Personal bio

Kelly Abraham is the Centre Manager at Hastings Barnardos Early Learning Centre and has been in this role for the past 11 years. Rebecca (Bex) Thompson has been based at Hastings Barnardos Early Learning Centre for the past 8 years and currently leads the Infant & Toddler room.

Kelly and Bex have both completed a Diploma of Teaching (ECE), Bachelor of Education, Postgraduate studies in ECE, as well as Te Reo & Tikanga Māori qualifications. Kelly has also completed a Diploma in Applied Business.

Barnardos Hastings is on the highest possible ERO review cycle, and was awarded the Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Award in 2015 for Engagement (Atahapāra).

Learning Story examples from Kelly and Bex:

Kotahi tonu te Wairua o nga mea katoaThere is one Spirit that flows through all

Latest Updates

Assessment, a mana enhancing process

A blog post from Carol Marks.......As we weave our own curriculum and keep abreast of current theory, the alignment between Te Whariki, Te Whatu Pokeka, Reggio Emilia and kaupapa Maori becomes evident when strengthening assessment for tamariki.....

What a fantastic day at this year's Conference! We had a record number of attendees this year, it was wonderful to have so many passionate teachers sharing their knowledge and experience and to see the deep participation and thoughtfulness from all attendees. We have already come up with some ideas to make next year even better...watch this space!

Let's slow down: Shifting from directing and correcting to a culture of connecting

What busy lives we lead. Always rushing from here to there, structuring our days, and time, to fit as much in as possible. Where does all of this over-scheduling leave us in terms of connecting? Connecting with the children we work with? And why is connecting so important anyway?
Click here to read more from this inspiring article by Harriet O'Sullivan

What an absolute pleasure it was to have Neuroscience Educator; Nathan Wallis, join us in Hamilton to present a seminar: The impact of Neuroscience on our practice. This was a Ministry of Education sponsored seminar, organised by ELP.